Andrea Bennett

Published 12:55 pm Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Andrea (Ann) Faye Bennett, 77, passed away on Friday, June 9, 2017, at the home of her sister, Lauren Bennett Stratton, in Shreveport. Ann was born on Oct. 28, 1939, in Bogalusa, to Clyde and Maggie (Peterson) Bennett.

Ann grew up in Bogalusa and graduated from Bogalusa High School as a member of the Ivy Chain in 1957. After high school, she graduated from Southeastern Louisiana College in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology and earned her certification as a Medical Technologist from the American Society of Clinical Pathologists at Oschner Foundation Hospital also in 1961. After her training, Ann worked at Louisiana State University in research and at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge as a medical technologist, before becoming the director of the clinical laboratory at Bogalusa Community Medical Center, where she served for 26 years. During her tenure at the hospital in Bogalusa, Ann earned her master’s degree in Hospital Administration from Central Michigan University.

Ann was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church in Bogalusa as a youth and young adult. She was also an active member of Superior Avenue Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School for many years, was active in WMU, participated in mission trips and was a member of the financial committee. Ann never married but devoted herself to her Lord, her church and her work. She was also a devoted daughter, sister and aunt who will be sorely missed but will be remembered with great fondness and love by her family and friends.

Ann is preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Maggie Bennett; her sister, Beverly Bennett Graham; and brother-in-law, Ray Graham, all of Bogalusa.

She leaves behind her sister, Lauren Bennett Stratton and her husband Jerry of Shreveport; and nieces, Renee Graham Chambers and her husband George of Doyline, Denise Graham Holmes of Franklinton, Shannon Graham of Bogalusa and Somer Stratton of Shreveport. Ann also leaves behind many great-nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Ann’s life was held Tuesday, June 13, at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home with visitation from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Funeral services began at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Eric Catha officiating. Entombment followed in the Sanctuary of Peace Mausoleum in Ponemah Cemetery.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Hossein Tabari and Camellia Hospice with special thanks to Cassie, Bridget and Jayne. Additional thanks go to Dr. Robert Savory and Willis-Knighton Hospice, with special gratitude to Monica, Lucy and Chaplain Casey. The services of Home Instead Senior Care are greatly appreciated, with special thanks to Kasey and Barbara. Words cannot express the deep feelings of gratitude for Terrie Riley who lovingly cared for Ann for over five years as she struggled with dementia. With patience and kindness, Terrie, assisted by Dee Smith, provided a level of care only love and compassion can give. They were a true blessing in Ann’s life and ours. We will be forever grateful.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home, 7200 Desiard St., Monroe LA 71203.